Ramdev backs quota for Jats, wants national reservation policy

Yoga guru Ramdev, who hails from Haryana, on Sunday supported Jat reservation but appealed to the protestors to run the movement peacefully.

indiaUpdated: Feb 22, 2016 13:46 IST

HT Correspondent Hindustan Times

Ramdev said since he belongs to Haryana, he understands the sentiments of people from his home state.(Virendra Singh Gosain/HT file photo)

Yoga guru Ramdev, who hails from Haryana, on Sunday supported Jat reservation but appealed to the protestors to run the movement peacefully. It’s high time the government looked into the reservation policy, he said.

“There is a need for a national policy on reservation so that no cast feels oppressed,” said Ramdev, who was appointed the brand ambassador of Haryana last year.

“It is unfortunate that Jat reservation movement has turned violent causing loss of lives and properties. Violence is not the solution to any problem,” he said.

Ramdev said since he belongs to Haryana, he understands the sentiments of people from his home state.

The yoga guru said both the state and union governments must take steps to resume peace in the state.

Commenting on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) controversy, Ramdev said all are Indians and no one should raise question on the unity of the country. He called for a ‘political dialogue’ to resolve the issue.

On beef controversy in Aligarh Muslim University, the guru said all should respect the feelings and beliefs of the society.

Supporters block highway

Jat reservation protesters blocked the national highway at Narsan tri-junction in Haridwar on Sunday, leading to cancellations of trains. “Light vehicles were diverted on Ganga canal through Asifpur barrage. Heavy vehicles were diverted through Bhagwanpur route,” said US Jimiwal, station house inspector of Manglore police station.